Sharia latest

Was Harriet Harperson consulted? Do Muslim women not count as women who have rights? Or do religious rights outweigh the right to be treated fairly in an open court?

Not that I'm saying that the UK's family court system is fair or anything - just one look at the Fathers for Justice website will at least raise questions... But I thought that Harperson's whole idea was to fuck men (obviously not literally!), not give them an advantage?

As Private Eye might put it, shurely shome mishtake?

Or have Muslim votes become so crucial to Labour that they will even abandon core principles? Perhaps rich fundamentalist Muslims have offered, in return for this nutcase legislation wonderful example of multiculturalism in action, to bankroll Labour's election campaigns - including Osama Bin Laden, say? Given their aim of creating a Caliphate which would include the UK, perhaps this is the most logical explanation?

What am I missing? Perhaps Bridget could tell us before she gets booted out at the next election (assuming no sudden influx of postal voting into Lewisham, that is...).

Political

Recently Drunk (Health fascists - FOAD!)

Le Mandolare Recioto di Soave, 2002 - 17/20 (A good recioto di soave, but I've had better ones. Lots of dried fruit, but needs a little more structure to balance the sweetness. Good for the price - this can be very expensive stuff...)

Linden Cabernet Franc, Virginia, US, 2001 - 18/20 (A very well balanced, structured wine that is closer in sensibility to France than its Californian cousins. If you get the chance, try it! Even if the winemaker sounds like a wine ponce! :-)

Ridge Geyserville Zinfandel, California, 2000 - 18/20 (One of the few Ridge Zins that might have been better drunk younger (although it could be that this will open up again given a few more years) - the 1999s are still wonderful, but this is probably just beyond its best. Nonetheless, still full of Ridge's trademark deep, structured fruit and better than almost anything else out there...)

Faustino I Rioja, Gran Reserva, 1996 - 17.5/20 (As the link suggests, supposed to be a top-class Rioja, but I'm not 100% convinced - I'd go for Muga instead. But - especially at a discount from the local supermarket - not at all bad, especially with a good steak)

Joseph Phelps Insignia, Napa Valley, 1993 - 20/20 (I've drunk Ridge Monte Bello, Penfolds Grange... THIS is the best wine I have ever tasted. Complex but still retaining its fruit, perfection in a glass. And even a Frenchman had to agree! :-)